Denver Mayor Michael Hancock appears unlikely to face any real consequences for the sexually suggestive text messages he sent to a police officer on his security detail six years ago.

Author:
Next with Kyle Clark

Published:03/02/18

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock appears unlikely to face any real consequences for the sexually suggestive text messages he sent to a police officer on his security detail six years ago.

There's a whole system set up to handle sexual harassment incidents between city of Denver employees. The city tells 9NEWS that if anyone complained about the mayor, the grievance would likely be denied outright, or just given to the mayor for his response.

Based on the city system, if a public works employee, for example, sent similar texts to a subordinate, and that subordinate filed a complaint, that could result in mediation, perhaps. It could also lead to an entire investigation.

Each process would involve human resources, and supervisors. They each have potential to end with various consequences, as well, depending on the action's severity. The aggressor could receive an official warning letter, pay could be docked, or a supervisor could choose to fire the employee.

In the case of Hancock, the city's human resource department tells us that if someone filed a complaint against the mayor, that complaint would likely be denied, or sent to the mayor's office for a response. And that's it.

Essentially, that means no recourse at all, unless a mayor chose to fire him or herself. Voters have the option to do that, but of course they have to wait until election day. Hancock's term is up next year.

In Denver, there's typically one competitive political party. Is there any real check-and-balance, if the mayor in question is likely to be voted into office again? That's up for voters to decide.